Inside the Brisbane cafe loved by chefs and foodie influencers

This unassuming cafe on Brisbane’s southside might not look like much, but its offering is so good it attracts foodies from across the city.

Coopers Plains is probably not the first suburb that comes to mind when most Brisbanites think of great Asian food. In fact, it’s probably not even in the top 10 or maybe even 20.

But off a main road, surrounded by a petrol station and medical practice is Mr Rollz – a cracking Vietnamese eatery that has become the obsession of some of the city’s biggest foodies.

This unassuming, modest cafe looks more like an industrial estate milk bar, with its scattering of orange and white plastic chairs tucked into small timber tables, and faux brick and timber wallpaper, than a hipster hangout, but it doesn’t stop everyone from top chefs and restaurateurs to influencers schlepping across town for its wares.

Mr Rollz in Coopers Plains. Picture: David Kelly

The menu is authentically Vietnamese and brandished on boards above the counter where diners order, moving from eight types of banh mi called “bread rollz” to rice paper rolls, salads, soups and snacks.

They also make their own very good Vietnamese coffee and lemonade in house, with the lychee and mint frappe and lemon iced tea other popular choices, alongside a fridge full of softdrinks, water and energy drinks.

Apparently the biggest seller here is the crackling pork belly banh mi made on bread from a popular Inala bakery that delivers on the crispy, flaky crust-soft, fluffy interior brief.

The inside dining room and counter at Mr Rollz. Picture: David Kelly

At just $11.90, the roll is an absolute steal – packed with an abundance of thick, bite-sized chunks of roast pork with crackling so crunchy it could even give vegans food envy.

Also loaded with fresh salad, coriander,
chilli if you want it, and mayo, it’s a deeply satisfying sanga that balances texture and flavour with precision.

The crackling pork belly banh mi. Picture: David Kelly

Meanwhile, for those who say you can’t make friends with salad, Mr Rollz’s “The lot” is sure to change that. Known as “bun thit nuong” in Vietnam, the classic bowl is packed with chilled vermicelli noodles, lettuce, cucumber, mint, peanuts, lemongrass-marinated pork, spring rolls and nem nuong or pork sausage.

It’s the ultimate salad for carnivores, with the thick wedges of crimson pork sausage some of the best I’ve had outside of Vietnam, the marinated pork bright and fresh with lemongrass and the spring rolls boasting almost your entire daily serve of veg.

The noodle salad with the lot. Picture: David Kelly

I would love a bit more acid and chilli kick in the nuoc cham dressing diners pour over the top, but I’m sure it’s well suited to most palates.

The dish is also another bargain at just $16, especially considering it could easily be shared, and there are plenty of other ever-changing daily deals available too, ranging from banh mi and drink combos for $13, to brekky specials for $10.

On my visit there’s a steady stream of customers coming through the doors, but I’m told by loyal fans that queues are a regular occurrence at peak times so don’t be surprised if you have to wait.

But when the food is as simple and satisfying as this, I’m happy to join the line-up.

MR ROLLZ

9A/123 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains

0421 579 579

facebook.com/mrrollz

Open

Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat 8am-2pm; and Sun 9am-2pm

Verdict – Scores out of 5

Food 4

Service 3.5

Ambience 2

Value 4.5

Overall 3.5